The Synod of Mid-America Synod of Mid-America

Landon and James have a chat about a recent blog post by Adam Copeland, titled "Is the PCUSA Going Down the Tubes?" 
We hope we didn't embarrass him... 

Poor James. He's really tired and worn out. This week he and Landon reflect on Sabbath, Sabbatical, and owning our own self-care. 
In the episode: 
MC Frontalot: I'll Form the Head (it's a geek joke) Come to OASIS! MaryAnn McKibben Dana's Sabbath in the SuburbsLandon's Email SabbaticalThe Protestant work ethicPreparation for Sabbath is hard workSabbath is an outgrowth of genuine relationshipWhat is our theology of employment?Learn about these people now: Seth Godin, Merlin Mann, Leo Babauta, Tim Ferriss ... Seriously, RIGHT NOW.And now... nap time.31 minutes

Landon and James chat with our friend Jodi Craiglow (of StayPCUSA) in Louisville about Big Tent and what "building relationships" actually means.  Plus, Jodi coins a phrase: Militant Optimism. So, in that vein: WE FIRMLY BELIEVE YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE! 
22 minutes 

Landon and James spend time as two white guys highlighting some chapters from Bruce Reyes-Chow's new book But I Don't See You As Asian: Curating Conversations About Race. 
In this episode: 
We'll see you at Big Tent for #bigtentafterdarkBruce is disturbingly nuanced"Being white is hard"; Ben Folds' "Rockin' The Suburbs""But I don't see you as Asian"; Our race and ethnic heritage is a part of who we are"You all look the same"; "I'm not racist but..."; Jose Irizarry and Interculturalism"No, where are you FROM?"BRC on GCR"We need at least one" ; Racial tokenism; Landon announces his candidacy for President of the Theresa Cho Fan Club"Let's just stop talking about race";  We ostrich racial conversations; It's okay to ask stupid questions in good faith;Landon and James renew their call to help the SoMA "light one candle" against racism.48 minutes 

Landon and James don't have pulpits to preach in, but they do have a podcast. This week, they take a moment to address white privilege and the church.
In this episode:
"Do this and you will live..." A sermon from Rev. Jamie McLeodWhite Noise: Christian Whispers and Shouts on the Trayvon Martin Case by Elizabeth DrescherDr. Beverly Tatum: Racism is a system of advantage based on race."The Zimmerman Acquittal: America's Racist God" by Dr. Anthea ButlerRacism is a moving sidewalk and we have to be anti-racistThe SoMA calls for help36 minutes

Sometimes, we don't say the things we need to say. This week, Landon and James talk about the things Pastors should say to congregations and vice versa. 

In this episode: 
Landon and James do a little catch up. with where they've each been during the week. First full week in the new office!Landon's upcoming email sabbatical, inspired by danah boydRachel Held Evans: 11 Things I Wish More Pastors Would SayThe Theophilus Project: 10 Things Pastors Need to Hear from Their CongregationsConfession and Assurance; Total Depravity, "10 pounds of crap in a 5 pound bag"Be yourself; Landon is a snowflake; authenticity and maturitySabbath is crucial; "vacation" does not mean "working outside the office"; MaryAnn McKibben Dana is coming for OASISLet's get sacramental; Communion should be live giving not a funeral dirge;Pastors don't always know exactly what a scripture means. Shocker! Anna Carter Florence, "Preaching as Testimony"It's all about authenticity44 minutes